Aston Villa within reach of Premier League Big Four

Aston Villa rocked the sports betting market on Saturday when they recorded a huge upset at Arsenal as +600 underdogs over the much-favoured Gunners at -185. There was a lot at stake in the match for both the home side Arsenal FC and visitors Aston Villa: improved Premier League standing and title contention.

Villa rose to the occasion – despite odds makers tipping them with barely an outside chance by the rather long price tag – immense, individually and collectively, in handing Arsenal the crushing setback. Now they sit in fifth place in the Premier League, but level with the fourth placed Gunners in points.

Next up for Villa is third place Manchester United and their clash is surely going to be an all-out brawl. Aston Villa hopes to break in to the big four with a home victory but when you look at the soccer betting line for their upcoming match, the odds makers do not give much stock in Villa accomplishing the feat. Once again, they are long in the soccer betting market, bridging the chasm that separates them from a place among the big four in the table dubbed a futile ambition. Or is it?

Soccer Betting Line:

Aston Villa +½ +115 +400 2½ O -115 U -105 Draw +240

Manchester United -½ -135 -135 2½ O -115 U -105 Draw +240

Match Time: 10:00 AM Eastern Time Saturday November 22, 2008

Soccer Betting Analysis:

Aston Villa +400: One great result does not accomplish a shift in the handicapping trend apparently. Though Villa sits on the peripheral of the big four in Premier League, a hair length three points would see them overhaul Manchester United and possibly Arsenal (supposing the Gunners lose their fixture against Man City as well), their bench lacks in the strength, depth and quality necessary to replace their superior higher-ups for any stretch of time. So, even if they manage to mastermind the shock upset against visiting Man U, they would not be expected to retain the spot amongst the big four for long.

Lest we get ahead of ourselves, the big four notwithstanding, what sports bettors are left with is an attractive price tag on Aston Villa to consider in their upcoming match. Last week they were bankable when they visited Arsenal FC so it follows they would have an even better chance at home. No?

At +400 underdog odds, Aston Villa, bolstered by their recent success, would not be a long shot bet to carry the momentum in to their next fixture –even if it is against a world class organization like Manchester United. The team ethos is such that they have nothing to lose really but everything to gain.

Manchester United -135: Manchester United has a slim hold on third place in Premier League, as over their shoulder, a point away, looms the double threat of Arsenal FC and Aston Villa. They meet Aston Villa on Saturday in an all-important battle to maintain their position amongst the big four and improve their overall standing. Manchester United is eight points away from top of the table Chelsea FC and Liverpool FC (both at 32 points) but with one more League match to play.